Class member Joni Schultz was chosen by the group to discuss the session.

The Sheriff’s Office Color Guard opens the graduation ceremony with the presentation of colors.

U.S. Marshal Genny May was the guest speaker.

Sheriff James Pohlmann speaks to the graduating class.

Genny May, U.S. Marshal for the 13-parish eastern district of Louisiana, lauded members of the graduating class of St. Bernard’s Citizens Police Academy on Oct. 28 for taking time to learn about law enforcement and said such community involvement is crucial in building a relationship between police and the public they serve.

More than 40 residents of St. Bernard Parish graduated the free, 10-week course geared to bettering relations between the community and law enforcement. Call (504) 278-7628 to register for the next class or other free courses offered by the Sheriff’s Office.

May, appointed U.S. Marshal more than five years ago, heads the agency in charge of security at federal courts, catches violent criminals with its fugitive task force, transports prisoners as well as other responsibilities, was guest speaker for the 17th graduating class of the Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy at Nunez College.

“What you are doing (through the Citizens Police Academy class) is so important,’’ May told graduates. The relationship between you and your police department affects the larger picture of whether crime fighting can be successful, she told them.

“The more the community understands about police the better,’’ she said.

“It speaks volumes about you’’ to have participated in the Citizens Police Academy course, May said.

“You have a progressive sheriff,’’ May said of St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann, who she said has long participated in the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force by assigning a deputy to the unit. And she praised the Sheriff’s Office as working well with other agencies and being experienced in its ranking officers, many of whom have graduated the FBI Training Academy in Virginia, as has May.

“I think you get your money’s worth from this department,’’ May said.

Sheriff Pohlmann told graduates that St. Bernard still has a small-town feel to it but Sheriff’s Office men and women are well trained and backed by the latest technology in areas such as communications, weapons and innovations such as a bomb robot to inspect suspicious items.

But the sheriff also said law enforcement today is under attack in many ways including alarming incidents of officers being killed by people who seem to hate them.

“It’s not an easy job,’’ the sheriff said of police work. “We are so lucky to have a good relationship with the people of this parish, one based on trust.’’

He told the group he hoped they received insight into how law enforcement works in the parish and encouraged them to get involved in a Neighborhood Watch program in their community to help keep their area safe.

Joni Schultz was chosen by the graduating class to speak for the group on the final night. She told fellow graduates that most residents when they see a police officer are probably thinking, “Please don’t write me a ticket.’’ But going through the Citizens Police Academy, she said, gives people a closer view of officers and the various divisions within the Sheriff’s Office.

Her highlight of the class “was the trip to the jail,’’ she said.

Capt. Charles Borchers, who coordinates the CPA class assisted by Dep. Sheriff Eric Eilers, said, “I hope you have seen that we are dedicated to keeping St. Bernard safe.’’

Borchers can be reached at (504) 278-7628 to discuss crime prevention tips, organize a Neighborhood Watch group or learn about upcoming free programs given by the Sheriff’s Office.

Citizens Police was started as a mechanism for the public to learn about police work in St. Bernard, interact with officers and ask questions about any concerns. More than 600 residents have participated since its inception in 1999.

Halloween trick-or-treating is being switched in St. Bernard Parish to Friday night, Oct. 30, because of a significant chance of heavy rains on Saturday, Sheriff James Pohlmann and parish officials announced on Thursday.

As it has annually, the Sheriff’s Office will step up DWI and traffic enforcement Friday night for the protection of trick-or-treating children and adult party-goers, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

The National Weather has said heavy rains are probable for Saturday, which could make it unsafe for traditional trick-or-treating by children.

“Motorists are asked to slow down, be extra cautious and be especially watchful for pedestrians,’’ on Friday night, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

He said there will be extra patrols on highways and in neighborhoods to enforce DWI laws and traffic laws. Drivers should also look for possible road blocks or barricades in neighborhoods. Adults shouldn’t let children go around barricades.

Capt. Charles Borchers, director of community relations and the Neighborhood Watch programs for the Sheriff’s Office, emphasized that, “Children and their parents who are trick-or-treating should be especially careful in areas where there are still vacant properties,’’ in St. Bernard Parish.

Here are some Halloween safety tips offered by the Sheriff’s Office:

– Make sure children understand to never enter a stranger’s home, and when trick-or-treating is over no goodies should be eaten until they are taken home and sorted out to check that they are safe.

– Plan to wear costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

– Also, when shopping for costumes, wigs or accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame-resistant

– Secure emergency identification, such as your child’s name, address, and phone number, discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. Consider using makeup rather than masks since masks can limit or block visibility.

– Always travel in groups and make sure a parent or responsible adult accompanies young children on their neighborhood rounds.

– Secure pets in homes so they aren’t frightened and run away if trick-or-treaters come to your door.

The car stolen from a murder victim in Chalmette on Tuesday night was found Wednesday night burned out under the St. Claude bridge in New Orleans, Sheriff James Pohlmann said, and authorities continue trying to identify the men involved.

New Orleans police saw smoke coming from under the bridge ramp on its eastern side and found a silver Chevrolet Impala on fire. New Orleans firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The license was still on the car, which was identified as the vehicle Keith Guerra, 30, of New Orleans, was driving on Palmisano Boulevard in Chalmette before he was killed just after 7 p.m. and the vehicle stolen, the sheriff said.

The car has been turned over to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office Head of Operations Col. John Doran has said Guerra was shot in the chest by one of two men, who according to witnesses, had rear-ended his car, got out and argued with him and a passenger in Guerra’s car, then fled in both vehicles after the shooting. The two were in a light-colored SUV, possibly a Ford.

Doran also said it is believed Guerra may have been targeted by robbers who took his vehicle.

“This wasn’t random’’ and the assailants may have followed Guerra and the passenger from New Orleans or knew where they were going, Doran said.

Authorities aren’t releasing the name of the second man who is a witness. That man suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Doran also said the passenger in Guerra’s car was using illicit drugs at a location in eastern New Orleans during the day Tuesday and called Guerra and asked him for a ride back to Chalmette, where he lives with his father.

It was the first homicide of the year in St. Bernard Parish.

Anyone with information on the murder should call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 428 F & AM recently held a ceremony at its lodge in Arabi to honor a St. Bernard sheriff’s deputy, a firefighter, a teacher and two Chalmette High seniors. Shown from left are students Sarah Russell and Dominick Curole, Master Sammy Shahine, teacher Dr. Michelle Daussin of Joseph Davies Elementary. fire fighter Capt. Eric Crotwell and Sheriff’s Deputy Jordan Zulli.

From left are Sheriff James Pohlmann, Master Sammy Shahine, Sheriff’s Deputy Jordan Zulli and Past Master Richard Montelongo Sr. Zulli was honored for stopping a prisoner who tried to escape a hospital room in New Orleans after breaking restraints.

As St. Bernard Sheriff’s Deputy Jordan Zulli was struggling with a dangerous prisoner who was trying to escape a hospital room in New Orleans he said he had one continuous thought: “Don’t let him leave.’’

Zulli, who has worked in Parish Prison since last December after several years in the military, was assigned in July to watch at University Hospital in New Orleans a federal prisoner who had been part of a ruthless gang.

At some point the man broke out of his hospital restraints and tried to escape and the corrections officer had to hold him on his own after a struggle for several minutes until additional help arrived.

For his efforts which prevented the prisoner from escaping and possibly injuring others, Zulli was recognized by a Masonic Lodge in Arabi on Oct. 20 as part of a ceremony which included honoring parish fire-fighter Capt. Eric Crotwell, first-grade teacher Dr. Michelle Daussin of Joseph Davies Elementary and two seniors at Chalmette High, Sarah Russell and Dominick Curole.

The Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 428 F & AM held a ceremony at its lodge on Lebeau Street in Arabi, with its Master Sammy Shahine and past Master Richard Montelongo Sr. presiding.

Crotwell has been a fire fighter since 2001 and has been involved in several life-saving efforts on duty as well as the rescue of parish residents following Hurricane Katrina.

Daussin is in her sixth year teaching and has been a Louisiana Teacher of the Year semi-finalist, a Teacher of the Year at Joseph Davies Elementary and was recently recognized by the New Orleans Saints.

Both Russell and Curole are honor students and athletes in several school sports.

Sheriff James Pohlmann spoke at the event, saying he was proud of Zulli’s efforts and told Masonic officials, “We appreciate you taking your time to honor these people.’’ Col. John Doran, Lt. Robert Broadhead and Lt. Dennis Morgan also represented the Sheriff’s Office.

Fire Department Deputy Chief Karl Bruder also represented the department at the event.

Jeremiah Juneau,34, booked with three counts of attempted vehicle burglary in Chalmette.

Two men were arrested in the act of separate burglaries or attempts Tuesday night in Chalmette, one found in a house where the occupant wasn’t home and the other while looking in vehicles and pulling on door handles trying to get inside, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

He tried to make entry into through the door of one home on Jean Lafitte while the occupant was there, then fled to another where the occupant wasn’t home and was arrested inside that when deputies responded to a call about the first incident.

Eskine was booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison and is being held without bond pending an appearance before a magistrate judge.

Separately, Jeremiah Juneau, 34, no address given, was booked the same night with three counts of attempted simple burglary of vehicles on Corinne Drive, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

A witness called the Sheriff’s Office to report seeing a man looking into a neighbor’s vehicle and pulling on a door handle trying to get inside, the sheriff said. Deputies arrived shortly and saw the man looking into two other vehicles and pulling on their handles, the sheriff said.

Juneau was arrested and booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison, where he is being held in lieu of bond set at $52,500.

Sheriff Pohlmann thanked residents for calling the Sheriff’s Office about suspicious activity, with the calls directly leading to the arrests.

As it has for years, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office will step up DWI and traffic enforcement on Halloween night, Oct. 31, for the protection of trick-or-treating children and adult party-goers, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“Motorists are asked to slow down, be extra cautious and be especially watchful for pedestrians,’’ the sheriff said.

He said there will be extra patrols on highways and in neighborhoods to enforce DWI laws and traffic laws. Drivers should also look for possible road blocks or barricades in neighborhoods. Don’t let children go around barricades, the sheriff said.

Capt. Charles Borchers, director of community relations and the Neighborhood Watch programs for the Sheriff’s Office, emphasized that, “Children and their parents who are trick-or-treating should be especially careful in areas where there are still vacant properties,’’ in St. Bernard Parish.

Here are some other Halloween safety tips offered by the Sheriff’s Office:

– Make sure children understand to never enter a stranger’s home, and when trick-or-treating is over no goodies should be eaten until they are taken home and sorted out to check that they are safe.
– Plan to wear costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
– Also, when shopping for costumes, wigs or accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame-resistant
– Secure emergency identification, such as your child’s name, address, and phone number, discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. Consider using makeup rather than masks since masks can limit or block visibility.
– Provide each child with a flashlight or battery-powered lantern with fresh batteries.
– Always travel in groups and make sure a parent or responsible adult accompanies young children on their neighborhood rounds.
– Make sure children know their home phone number or a parent’s cell phone number and know to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost.
– Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a lit porch light.
– Secure pets at home so they don’t get excited or run away when children come to your residence looking for treats.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said a basic thing residents should do is go out to their sidewalk and take a hard look at their home or business the way a burglar would who was sizing it up for ways to break in. Then, he said, go call and register for the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture being offered by the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 3 to learn how to fix problems.

In the one-night course, St. Bernard Parish residents will get solid, expert advice on crime prevention measures for your home and business, including locks, timers and alarm systems to use.

Call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Dep. Sheriff Eric Eilers at 278-7799 to register. Borchers is head of Community Relations and long-time crime prevention director for the Sheriff’s Office and he and Eilers conduct the course.

The lecture is held in the Sheriff’s Office Training Center at 2118 Jackson Blvd. in Chalmette. The center is on the second-floor in the building that also houses the Assessor’s Office and is directly behind the east side of the Parish Courthouse.

“You will hear safety tips for avoiding becoming crime victims at home or away,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Capt. Borchers is an expert on what type locks, lighting timers and alarm systems residents and business owners should use and he will demonstrate them, as well as go over numerous tips for various situations.’’

More than 100 residents have taken the Refuse to be a Victim class since Sheriff Pohlmann began offering it to the public in 2011.

The sheriff said that besides the expert advice the program also goes over “common sense ideas’’ that are important to be emphasized.

Borchers stresses in the course that, “You have to have a mental plan of action’’ at home or when traveling in order to be alert for potential criminals. Seminar topics include safety at home, as well as phone, technology, travel and personal security.

He recommends double cylinder deadbolt locks with large screws put an inch into a large, solid frame so a door can’t be easily kicked open.

Use strong locks and place peep holes on home doors, Borchers said. Light-timers, alarm systems, video surveillance and motion lights are all sound anti-crime strategies, he said.

Borchers goes over various situations with participants, such as asking what they would do if they are home and someone came to the door saying they had a package for them to sign for – but there wasn’t a delivery truck outside?

Or what if a stranger comes to your door and asks to use a phone? Or what’s the best ways to stay safe in other locations while visiting?

For the answer to these and other questions, Borchers said invites residents to come hear what he and Eilers have
to say.

Refuse To Be A Victim is nationally recognized. It was developed in 1993 in response to requests from women nationwide for crime prevention seminars and became co ed in 1997. Thousands of men and women have benefited from the program’ message, which has been endorsed by members of the law enforcement community nationwide.

Borchers is also available at (504) 278-7628 for anyone interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group in their area or to ask about other free programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office.

Rosetta Santiago, standing at left, and friends at her Night Out party on Guerra Drive in Violet.

Sheriff James Pohlmann talks to a crowd of parents, children and church officials at a Pentecostal Church gathering in Chalmette for the National Night Out Against Crime.

Sheriff Pohlmann with a group of young people outside a bounce tent on church grounds.

Raymond Dauterive, standing at left, at the Heart of Chalmette Neighborhood Association party he hosted on Park Boulevard. With him, from left, are Sheriff’s Office Det. Chuck Little, Maj. Adolph Kreger, Det. Lt. Richard Mendel and Steve Brandt of the association.

Neighbors at the party held by Gail Gowland, seconf from right, and Penny Hebert, at right, on West Carmack Drive.

Rosetta Santiago remembers getting down on the floor of her home in the 2400 block of Guerra Drive in Violet years ago to protect herself as gunfire erupted on the street outside.

Santiago, who has lived there about 40 years, said she began holding gatherings with friends and neighbors to celebrate the National Night Out Against Crime prior to Hurricane Katrina because she thought she needed to.

“It was bad around here then’’ because of criminal elements in the area, Santiago said. “It’s 99 percent better now. We cleaned it up. Now we are trying to keep it that way.’’
On Tuesday night she and friends were again holding a party outside to celebrate the National Night Out Against Crime.

Doing the same were several hundred St. Bernard residents at homes, on the grounds of a church and in communities including Arabi, Chalmette, Meraux, Violet and Poydras.

National National Out has been celebrated more than 30 years around the nation.

For several years, the First Pentecostal Church of Chalmette has put out a bounce center for kids on their church grounds and thrown a party for members to get together on the night.

Pastor Otto Martin said the goal is to get people together to support one another and let them know they have something in common – wanting to live safely.

At the church on Palmisano at East St. Bernard Highway, Sheriff James Pohlmann spoke to a large group of parents and children, saying he is proud of the safe environment St. Bernard Parish has enjoyed.

“We have great men and women working for the Sheriff’s Office,’’ the sheriff said, “but our success is also because of the people in our community’’ who support law enforcement and take the time to report any suspicious activity they see in their neighborhoods.

The sheriff attended a number of the get-togethers held by residents. He has said he supports National Night Out Against Crime as a way for people with something in common – the desire to protect their neighborhood against crime – to get together and pledge to look out for each other’s property.

On Park Boulevard in Chalmette, Raymond Dauterive, head of the Heart of Chalmette Homeowners Association, said he hosted their annual party because “you can stay in contact with people, Its good for the neighborhood.’’

Penny Hebert and Gail Gowland hosted a party on West Carmack Drive at the home of Hebert for the Chalmette Vista Neighborhood Association. “We do it so everyone gets to know their neighbors.’’ Gowland said.

Capt. Charles Borchers, director of Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office and head of the Neighborhood Watch program, said, “Don’t hesitate to call us if you see something in your neighborhood that doesn’t look right to you,’’ Call the S.O. at (504) 271-2501 and you could be helping prevent crime such as a burglary or theft, Borchers said.

National Night Out Against Crime is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and was introduced in 1984 to strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts.

The National Night Out campaign involves more than 30 million, including residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses and at military bases.

Two representatives from a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution brought cookies to St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s deputies and fire fighters recently to thank them for the work they do. Aileen Alfortish of St. Bernard Parish is shown handing a platter of cookies to Lt. Justin Meyers at Parish Prison, and Carolyn Morris of Baton Rouge is next to her. They are surrounded by officers who work in the jail.

Alfortish and Morris are shown giving a platter of cookies to Sgt. Lacye Lulei at the Communications Division. The DAR is celebrating its 125th anniversary and the national group had asked chapters to do something in their community to celebrate.

Two representatives from a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution brought cookies to St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s deputies and fire fighters recently to thank them for the work they do.

Aileen Alfortish of St. Bernard Parish and Carolyn Morris of Baton Rouge said the DAR is celebrating its 125th anniversary and the national group had asked chapters to do something in their community to celebrate.

“We wanted to do this for first-responders for everything you do for us,’’ Alfortish said of the idea to bring cookies for officers and fire fighters.

The women visited officers and brought cookies at the Sheriff’s Office Paris Road sub-station, at the Parish Prison and at the Communication Division. They also visited a fire station to bring the treats to fire fighters.

Karen Williams of Chalmette, pins a Junior Deputy badge on Phillip Williams. Next to them is Robert Williams.

Cpl. Shane Lulei stands next to an airboat on which children are sitting.

Sheriff James Pohlmann is surrounded by children as they look at the Sheriff’s Office bomb robot for checking out suspicious items.

Lt. Lisa Jackson and Sgt. Darrin Miller of the D.A.R.E. drug abuse resistance program, with children and the miniature car ridden by Daren, mascot of the D.A.R.E. program.

Maj. Robert McNab and Lt. Richard Mendel put a SWAT helmet and jacket on a girl.

Children and parents build things and work on projects at the Kids Safety Day at Home Depot.

An annual children’s workshop and safety event at Home Depot drew a nice crowd Oct. 3 as families took part in workshops where children were shown how to make things and saw special displays from local agencies including the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Department and an antique auto club.

The Sheriff’s Office brought out various equipment including its popular bomb robot, airboat, SWAT truck. and also gave out items for kids.